Method of object identification

ABSTRACT

The invention belongs to the field of remote object identification by its passive and/or active radiation, namely, the systems allowing to identify objects including the concealed ones. The goal of the invention under consideration is to develop a mobile and yet highly-efficient object detection and identification system by gamma, X-ray and neutron radiation. Besides, the other objective of the proposed invention is to make it possible to create a distributed multilevel system for a departmental use as well as an open system for common use. The problem put by is solved as follows: the expert system is designed to be multilevel. At a low level, the capacity of the portable computer sensor of the expert system is used; at a higher level—functioning of the local network of the expert system through communication links is realized; and the next level represents the global specialized expert system performance in real time. The transference from a lower level to a higher level takes place in the case of an object identification vagueness.

The invention belongs to the field of remote objects identification by its passive and/or active radiations, namely, the systems allowing to identify objects including the concealed ones.

Los-Alamos National Laboratory has designed a hand-held radiation semiconductor detector Cadmium-Zink-Tellurium (CZT spectrometer) [1,2] with the capacity of identifying gamma radiation emitted by radioactive materials. In real time it produces accurate data for a portable device insensitive to temperature changes in the environment. The detector includes a CZT chip installed in the same housing with a charge-sensitive amplifier and an input-output unit for spectrum analyzing as well as a multi-channel analyzer with a microcontroller. Specialized software linking to the built-in microcontroller and monitoring the CZT spectrometer operations is used.

However, one of the disadvantages of the known instrument is the placement of the gamma and X-ray detector in the same housing with a pocketsize computer. This does not allow controlling several sensing devices. The other drawback is that only specialists possessing specific knowledge of the field can use this hand-held radiation detector.

The system of remote radiation control and object identification [3] is taken as a prototype. The system contains a stationary detection system of fissionable and radioactive materials, connected through a relevant information mono-channel to a personal computer having a display device, information and signaling recording system, with the capacity of information transfer by means of using information channels. The personal computer is also supplied with a video-system device connected to a video images synchronization device and to a fissionable and radioactive material readings recorder with a timer.

The imperfection of this system is in its stationary state, i.e. only the objects passing through the window of the stationary system can be checked and it is impossible for an authorized person to leave his place of observation, as no system control would be performed. Moreover, the system chosen as the prototype is closed and does not permit the use of additional resources and simultaneous work with different types of detectors. Only trained personnel can operate the described system.

The goal of the invention under consideration is to develop a mobile and yet highly efficient object detection and identification system its passive and/or active radiation. Besides, the other objective of the proposed invention is to make it possible to create a distributed multilevel system for a departmental use as well as an open system for common use.

The problem put by is solved as follows: the proposed system of object identification by its passive and/or active radiation includes a remote detection unit and a data processing unit making a decision based on the results of processing by the expert system. According to the invention, the expert system is designed to be multilevel. At a low level, the capacity of the portable computer sensor of the expert system is used; at a higher level - functioning of the local network of the expert system through communication links is realized; and the next level represents the global specialized expert system performance in real time. The transference from a lower level to a higher level takes place in the case of object identification vagueness.

The problem put by is solved as follows: the resources of the global specialized expert system require payment. Part of the money received for the use of the global specialized expert system is transferred to update and enlarge databases and to the object identification specialists on the payroll.

The problem put by is solved as follows: the resources of the global specialized expert system are to represent updated databases of objects having been successfully identified.

Application of the method of objects identification by means of using the expert system divided into separate levels interconnected through the communication links allows to receive implicit advantages such as object identification in the place where it is located irrespective of the place of identification, object complexity and qualifications of an expert. Moreover, the local network allows to execute control over all authorized experts operations from one working place, to automatically file and record all actions. In every specific situation, due to the connection of the previously set expert system data processing capabilities increase considerably. One principal archive file is sufficient to serve all preprocessing devices. This allows updating and amending databases simultaneously for all users. Use of the global specialized expert system allows concentrating finances on supporting a vast object identification data bank and paying to highly qualified specialists.

The invention is illustrated by drawings.

Version of method use presents in FIGURE

Method of objects identification according to their characteristics is carried out with the help of the expert system of zero (initial) level ES₀ 1, installed in a portable computer sharing the same housing with microprocessor sensor MS 2. In order to register different types of object characteristics 3, MS 2 is made changeable. The second level of the system represents the expert system of higher rank ES₁ 4 installed in a personal computer. It is connected to all the portable computers performing object identification in the local network. The next level is the global specialized expert system located in the Internet ES_(G) 5 and operated by the experts in the field of object identification. The authorized expert system users finance functioning of the proposed global system. For this reason, global specialized expert system ES_(G) 5 has authorization and accounting unit 6, which ensures users pay access to the global expert system and the opportunity to make payments for using the expert system as well. All the systems are provided with data banks and knowledge bases 7.

The system operates in the following way.

With the help of microprocessor sensor MS 2 connected to a mobile computer with installed the expert system of initial level ES₀ 1, a user (not shown) defines characteristics of identified object 3. Based on the accumulated scintillation spectra of object 3, the expert system of initial level ES₀ 1 using the built-in software and databases identifies the object and transfers the results to the indicator. Depending on the required characteristics of the object, the operator may change microprocessor sensor MS 2 and the appropriate software.

The principal instrument in the object identification process is the installed multi-channel analyzer. The final result of its work is a histogram (spectrum) of the registered pulses sorted out by their amplitude. The spectrum of pulses amplitude represents a direct reflection of the energy spectrum of gamma quanta and is the basis of identification of different isotopes.

Identification represents an indestructible analysis for verification of the investigated isotope by its radiation. The fact that the radiation emitted by each isotope is unique, allows giving its accurate identification. Methods of the identification can be divided into active and passive. This depends on the source of radiation, i.e. substance itself or an external source.

Expert system of the initial level ES₀ 1 induces the results only in the case of accurate identification with the preliminary set probability. If the given probability does not reach the set value, the expert system of the initial level is automatically connected to the local network; that allows using a much larger database of the stationary expert system of higher level 4. Due to the expertise of the personnel operating the expert system at this level, the probability of object identification increases to a greater extent. If the object identification by stationary expert system 4 involves difficulty, global specialized expert system 5 is connected automatically. Global specialized expert system 5 is located at the appointed Internet website and represents specialized constantly updated databases and knowledge bases 7. The global expert system of the global level is designed as a decision support system and consists of two parts: databases and other information on additional capabilities of the devices and databases on rules, laws, regulations, etc., allowing an authorized person to make an independent decision or directly consult an expert operating on-line higher up in the system hierarchy. A user can be automatically referred to the decision support system in situations when the capability of unit 1 is limited or the memory unit lacks the required instructions, data, etc., or in a complicated situation when the operator needs assistance in making a proper decision at user's request.

In order to perform radiation control operations by the users without specific knowledge in this area, manuals on determining a further order of actions taken by the user in every specific situation are being developed. However, this approach has its drawbacks. One of them is that a user out of knowledge or deliberately may ignore the given instructions. And the second one is that the amount of instructions includes a number of volumes, which cannot be taken to the place of an accident.

Due to the proposed method, two disadvantages can be avoided. All actions of the user such as taking measurements, steps in decision-making, etc., are automatically registered and saved in the system. In doing so, both accuracy and competence of the operators can be inspected. At the same time, any amount of step-by-step instructions can be entered in the memory of the device or can be transferred through communication links from the crisis center on request.

In fact, the method of remote object identification allows designing a unique device consisting of a limitless number of independent remote detection units and a communication unit connected up to a powerful processing unit located in the Internet. Any territory and any appearance or physical moving of the source of radiation can be automatically monitored by the system. Specialists of different governmental services can be equipped with portable devices having access to the expert system. The devices can work autonomously and be installed in the presupposed places of the sources of radiation. The system may include other devices, for instance, portal stationary monitors, devices for monitoring the environment, etc. In doing so, all the data are filed and transferred to the decision support system.

Usage of the multilevel expert system and the Internet for the open expert system allows its users to save a considerable amount of money on the system installation in the controlled zones. In this case, a user purchases only portable computers with the detection units and then, can use computing resources in the common user network. In doing so, the global expert system may operate on a commercial basis.

Thus, use of all features and characteristics allows to solve the set problem, i.e. to develop a mobile and yet highly-efficient objects registration and identification system.

The technical documentation is prepared. The global specialized expert system software is developed. A demo-version can be found at www.polismart.net.

Sources of information used during expertise:

-   1. X-Ray and Gamma Ray Detector High Resolution CZT Cadmium Zink     Telluride”, web pages, amptek.com, Apr. 11, 2001, 8 pages. -   2. Charge Trapping in XR-100T-CZT Detectors Application Note”, web     pages, amptek.com, Apr. 18, 2001, 15 pages. -   3. Patent on Utility Model, Russian Federation #31001, G 01     T1/167,2003 (prototype) 

1. Method of object identification by its passive and/or active radiation including a remote detecting, data processing by the expert system and making a decision with the distinction that the expert system is designed to be multilevel, at a low level, the capacity of the portable computer sensor of the expert system is used; at a higher level—functioning of the local network of the expert system through communication links is realized; and the next level represents the global specialized expert system performance in real time, the transference from a lower level to a higher level takes place in the case of object identification vagueness.
 2. Method of object identification with the distinction that the resources of the global specialized expert system require payment. Part of the money received for the use of the global specialized expert system is transferred to update and enlarge databases and software and to the object identification specialists on the payroll.
 3. Method of object identification with the distinction that the resources of the global specialized expert system are to represent updated databases of objects having been successfully identified. 